A Poem from Sudan

The following poem was presented by the students of NESEI's school, and was read at the reception of new students from Bahr al Ghazal, who arrived on July 8. The poem discusses a new era for women in Sudan. Right now, GOSS (The Gov't of South Sudan) has in its constitution that women must represent 25% of the Gov't. The students of NESEI's school of South Sudan are demanding equal representation: 50%. 

It's interesting to note, that in the U.S., only 17% of those serving in the U.S. House of Representatives are women, and just 16% of those serving in the Senate are women. Our young students in South Sudan are demanding a level of equality in their country that women in the U.S. have not yet demanded. We are very proud of our young students for their forward thinking goals for themselves and their country. Please enjoy this poem, presented by elected Head Student Neema Nyoka.

Voices of NESEI Girls

Those days are gone!

We will fight for our rights

Equality is our new oxygen

25% in GOSS is just a resting point

The destination is 50% women representation

Soon, new crops of leaders like the late Dr. John Garang and Joseph Lao will be women

We have accepted leadership

Our room is no longer a kitchen but offices

We have discarded early marriage

We are no longer conditioned parasites

Education is our new farming tool and hunting weapon

We are glued to education

We have accepted

It is clear now

We have seen the road

The message is getting to our hearts

We are grateful to NESEI and Winrock

Your efforts are saluted

We are getting the tune

Don't give up on us

We have accepted education.